I am one who likes to try lots of different brokerages over time just for the fun of it.

I have had an account with TOS for a little over a year now, and they are fine. I have my own charting software packages, but since TOS does offer an OK charting package that one can program basicly anything they can dream of, I may in the future when time allows play around with their software. I know many who love it.

Just to be fair. I have never had any problems with any of the brokerages I have had over the years.

Just some charge more than others.
Some have better trading platforms, depending on what you want.
Some will actually go out a get the price you want, while others will just put the orders out there ect.
Some specialize in certain markets.

Like with say TOS. They offer everything. But I myself probably would not trade futures or forex with them, but would trade stock-ETF options.
Like optionsXpress. I would only trade stock-ETF option through them.

If I was trading commodities I would use others?

But as I said they are OK and no problems.
Thius is just my own opinion ect.!